Catch Phrase | 潮人恐惧症(cháorén kǒngjùzhèng)

Writer: Debra Li  |  Editor: Stephanie Yang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2021-12-07

Meaning:

“潮人” refers to “trendsetters, fashionistas,” and “恐惧症” is translated as “phobia.” Coined by Chinese netizens, this term refers to the uncomfortable feelings people have when they come to occasions and venues populated by young, well-groomed people. Not very fashionable themselves, they feel awkward and even a bit inferior in those environments, such as a boutique, a manicure salon or a runway show.

Example:

A: 我家楼下新开了一家美甲店,想不想一起试试?

Wǒjiā lóuxià xīnkāi le yījiā měijiǎdiàn,xiǎngbuxiǎng yīqǐ shìshì?

There is a new manicure salon downstairs where I live. Do you want to come along and try it?

B: 还是算了吧,我有潮人恐惧症。

Háishì suànle ba,wǒ yǒu cháorén kǒngjùzhèng。

I’ll pass. I feel awkward in those places because I’m not fashionable.